Step-by-step instructions on manually flashing Android 7.1 Nougat that is now live for Google Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and Pixel C.

The much-expected Developer Preview version of Google's newest Android 7.1 (Nougat) is now live for a barrage of devices that include Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and Pixel C. The USP of the latest update is that it offers the much-asked functionality such as Daydream VR compatibility, image keyboard support and app shortcut interfaces.

With the Android 7.1 Nougat Developer Preview iteration, developers can also leverage the app shortcuts feature to engage users. Users can check out all the functionality offered by the application without having to even open and launch the app.

With the Android 7.1 Developer Preview introducing most-demanded features/functionality, and if this iteration is not automatically available for your Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and Pixel C devices, then it is recommended that you manually flash the new OS to check out the newer aspects:

How to manually flash and install Android 7.1 Nougat within Google Nexus 6P, Pixel C and the Nexus 5X:

Before proceeding with the manual flashing process, IBTimes India reminds its users that it will not be held responsible for any damage to device whether during or after installation of the OS. This process requires sound technical knowledge; users are advised to proceed at their own risk:

Also ensure that you have the latest Android SDK Platform tools. You can navigate to SDK manager, in order to obtain this.

After obtaining fastboot, ensure that you add this to PATH environment variable.

Enable USB access for your device.

Backup of all your personal/confidential information

Step 1: Find and download the appropriate system image for your device, then unzip it to a safe directory.

Step 2: Interface your device to the PC via USB

Step 3: Use any of the below ways to start your device in fastboot mode

Method 1: With the device powered on, execute:

adb reboot bootloader

Method 2: Turn the device off, then turn it on and immediately hold down the relevant key combination for your device.Example, to put Nexus 5 into fastboot mode, press and hold Volume Up + Volume Down + Power when the smartphone starts booting.

Step 4: Unlock the bootloader of your device by executing fastboot flashing unlock. If your device is quite old and showing signs of turning into a legacy one, then execute fastboot oem unlock. If this step is executes successfully, a confirmation screen with a message will be displayed.

Step 5: Launch a new terminal and navigate to the unzipped system image directory.

Step 8: Restart the device in fastboot, as explained above. Then run fastboot flashing lock. For older devices, run fastboot oem lock. Locking the bootloader could result in loss of data on some devices. After locking the bootloader, if you want to flash the device again, then execute fastboot oem unlock command again.